Cultivating an art community in the 21st century

What is Asia Society?

Asia Society is a non-profit enterprise with the goal of educating the world on the culture and happens in Asia. It seeks to improve “people-to-people understanding and respect between Asia and the West”. The organisation has many workshops, exhibits and projects in topics that range from policy, business, to arts and culture, all of which are targeted to creating a more educated and united international community. 

Asia Society New York was established in 1956 by John D Rockefeller the 3rd, while Asia Society Philippines was established in 1999 by Washington Sycip.

What is the arts and museum summit? What happened?

The Asia Society Philippines chapter brings global arts and museum leaders to manila! They held a 2 day summit that focused on cultivating an art community in the 21st century.

asia-society-1.jpgPhoto: Courtesy of Asia Society Philippines

Experts in their fields, both international and local, respected professionals came to the Philippines to participate in panel discussions about art. More than twenty speakers, from thirteen different countries shared their perspectives and life experiences with the audiences.

Day 1 was held at Ateneo de Manila University, while day 2 was in the Ayala Museum.

These panelists spoke about how to better engage audiences, communities and institutions through art and outreach programs. They analysed art in the 21st century and the impact that it has on society today. A deeper understanding on what art means, how it has evolved and how it contributes to our lives today was definitely gained!

“Digital technology has changed the visitor experience and expectations completely.”

asia-society-2.jpgPhoto Courtesy of Asia Society Philippines

Audience engagement and community building was a large part of the discussion as it has become a focus for art organisations in Asia. Opposite to the large international art fairs and biennals, this grass-roots movement has been taking off to rebuild local traditions and efforts. There is a re birth of #lovelocal, and Asia Society wants to be a part of the movement by providing practical training for both artists and art professionals while also promoting awareness of regional culture. 

“Art organisations are charged with sustaining incumbent audiences and attracting new, more diverse visitors, while striking a balance between crowd-pleasing, social media-oriented programming and scholarly educational content.”

The 2 day experience was created for art enthusiast of any and all levels.

asia-society-3.jpgPhoto: Courtesy of Asia Society Philippines

The keynote speakers were: Jack Persekian (Founder and Director, Al Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art in Jerusalem) and Melati Suryodarmo (artist and Artistic Director, 2017 Jakarta Biennale). Other esteemed speakers were Kennie Ting (Director, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore), Rhana Devenport (Director, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki), Mary Jame Louise A. Bolunia (Officer in Charge, Archaeology Division, National Museum of the Philippines), Patrick D. Flores (Professor of Art Studies, National University of the Philippines and Curator, Vargas museum), and Norberto Roldan, (Cofounder, Green Papaya Art Projects).

Check out the full line up here!